At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals while ensuring top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Thorpe Forest, surrounded by nature's beauty.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, performance bonuses, and discounted meals.
- Other info: Flexible hours, social events, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a difference in guests' experiences in a stunning forest retreat.
- Qualifications: Catering experience and a passion for great food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
Join us where the River Thet winds through tranquil woodland at Thorpe Forest.
Location: Thorpe Forest (Norfolk)
Salary: £13.35 per hour
Working Hours: Part-time, 40 hours per week.
Days of Work: 5 days out of 7.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Cook to join our Thorpe Forest team! Be a part of making special escapes in one of the UK’s most peaceful forest locations, developing your skills while ensuring our cabins are beautifully prepared for every guest.
About the Cook role:
Open all year round, as our Cook you play a pivotal role in our Forest Retreat building, the hub of the location. This is our reception, the first port of call for guests checking in on their holiday. It houses a shop, bar, and restaurant. Opening hours are location and season dependent but there are no late openings which allows a better work/life balance. In this role you must deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring every guest enjoys the perfect Forest Feeling experience.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook all orders, ensuring the quality and presentation of the food is to the highest standard.
- Comply with H&S and Food Hygiene regulations and complete required paperwork associated within a food environment.
- Understand and encourage the principles of safe food handling to ensure all food preparation is to the highest standards of hygiene.
- Follow the cleaning rota, to ensure the regular cleaning of all kitchen areas, equipment and appliances to meet the required high standards of cleanliness.
What Are We Looking For?
Our ideal Cook must have a real passion for great food to oversee our catering provision, so delivering exceptional customer service is essential. You will ensure our guests receive food of the highest standard whilst ensuring all our kitchen Health & Safety obligations are met in full.
- Experience in catering is essential.
- A friendly, positive, and helpful attitude.
- Passion for delivering an outstanding customer service.
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance - Take the time you need to recharge
- Performance-based bonuses - Earn a 5% bonus (paid quarterly) when customer service targets are met
- Social events and awards evenings - Celebrate success with your team
- Pension scheme - Secure your future with our company pension
- One full paid day to volunteer - Give back to a cause you care about
- Subsidised meals - Discounted food when working on location
- Wellbeing events & activities - Focus on your mental and physical wellness
- Save on breaks - Enjoy up to 20% off. Friends and family also receive 15% off.
- Hundreds of discounts - Save on top brands across the UK
We’re all about diversity, inclusion, and bringing your authentic self to work. Need adjustments for the recruitment process? Just ask, our team is happy to help.
Click ‘Apply’ now to start your journey with us at Thorpe Forest (Norfolk). Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Cook employer: Forest Holidays
At Forest Holidays, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and guest satisfaction. Our flexible shifts allow for a healthy work-life balance, while our stunning woodland location provides a unique backdrop for personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that creates memorable experiences for our guests in a beautiful natural setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Forest Holidays. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Forest Holidays
Don't be shy about reaching out to Forest Holidays directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Forest Holidays and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest Holidays
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
